The Odyssey of Falling by Paige Crutcher
Release Date: November 4th, 2014

Meet Odd. Audrey “Odd” Ashworth is an exceptionally bright girl with a sympathetic heart. She’s in the top 4% of her class. She’s obsessed with getting into Manhattan School of Music, committed to following the “signs” the universe delivers, and infatuated with her recently deceased best friend’s boyfriend.

Life is a little strange for Odd.

Until she finds her best friend’s diary in her crush’s car, and decides to do the bucket list tucked inside the pages. As Odd seeks closure and a way to honor her friend, she discovers there’s nothing wrong with being a little strange, especially if it helps you discover who you were meant to be. Along the way, Odd falls into trouble, adventure, and finally love.

We All Matter
By Paige Crutcher

I wrote The Odyssey of Falling because I wanted to write a book about how it’s okay to make mistakes. We are all beautiful messes, and the journey of growing up is hard. I think doubt and loss and fear afflict teens (all ages, really), and I wanted to say to those teens struggling: it’s okay to screw up, it’s okay to get messy as you discover who you are.

Because we aren’t chained to the past or to the secrets we make. There is always hope, we only have to lean into the universe to find it.

Odd’s voice has been with me for a long time. In some ways, she’s shades of the girl I was growing up. She’s a fighter, a seeker, and occasionally she’s really misdirected in her actions. She winds up in the strangest of shenanigans and has questionable taste in boys. But she has heart, she loves deeply, and she means well.

The parts of Odd that are not me (and there are A LOT of them) grew organically. It’s a funny and wonderful thing, putting the pen to page, or in my case, fingers to the keys. The characters find their own voice once I stop thinking and trying to direct them. The inmates eventually take over the asylum, and as the writer I only have to keep up.

One of the best “tricks” in my writer toolbox is interviewing my characters. As a journalist, I’ve interviewed a lot of authors over the past six years. I culled the various ways the authors I interviewed get to know their characters and stories, and tried out the various methods until I found the ones that worked for me.

We all have different processes, and I discovered asking questions – sometimes silly ones, occasionally hard ones – to the characters like they were friends or interview subjects garnered the best results.

It might sound strange, but I think doing this shows my characters they matter. That they don’t have to be perfect for me to want to get to know them. Which is kind of what THE ODYSSEY OF FALLING is all about.

Odd isn’t perfect. Her friends are a delicious group of misfits and beautiful weirdoes. But they all matter. Just like we all do. We are all on an odyssey of falling into who we are and who we will become.

Joining social network Populatti.com let sixteen-year-old Livi Stanley trade her awkward middle school past for the social life of her dreams. Because Populatti isn’t just a social network. It’s a club, providing access to friends. Parties. And Livi’s crush, star baseball player Brandon Dash. Yet lately, online rumors have been threatening Livi’s place in the group. And not even her friends are doing much to stop them. Leaving Livi to prove them wrong, and fast.

Before her life as a popster is over.

Today Jackie is talking about her DREAM CAST! Take it away, Jackie!

So first I want to start off with a big thank you to Sash and Em for this guest post. I am so excited to introduce Populatti to your readers!

Populatti follows 16-year-old Livi Stanley as she navigates the secret social network Populatti.com, which rules the social life at Golden Hill High. Throughout the story, Livi must deal with rumors threatening her membership within the group all while trying to snag her crush Brandon, preserve her friendships, and still do well in school.

Since Populatti involves lots of characters, gossip, and exciting party scenes, I have always thought it would make a fantastic movie. So today I wanted to share with you my thoughts on who would play each starring role if (or should I say when?) some very smart Hollywood director decided to cast Populatti. I’ve listed the winners below.

Crystal – Katie Chang
Crystal is not only one of Livi’s best friends, but the mastermind that created Populatti.com as well. So who better to play the part than a Columbia student who happens to also have stolen the show in last year’s The Bling Ring? My only question: How well does she know computer code?

Sammy – Zoey Deutch
Sammy is the wild one with a surprisingly good head on her shoulders. Most of the time. Given her past role as rebellious Juliet Martin on the TV show Ringer, I’d say Zoey is up for the part. Especially after her part in Vampire Academy, something tells me she’s ready to return to the real world.

Tara – Bella Thorne
All I have to do is look at a picture to know that Bella is “the one.” That gorgeous strawberry hair is exactly how I picture my Tarable. Not to mention that Bella is also an author. How can I not love that?

Livi – Sasha Pieterse
Given Sasha’s background with Pretty Little Liars, something tells me the world of Populatti would seem quite familiar to her. That combined with her long blonde hair and innocent-yet-pouty look has me thinking she’s the perfect Livi.

Brandon aka B-Dash – Alexander Ludwig
Ahhh now casting B-Dash was no easy feat. I mean, how do you capture that prepster perfection on film? By casting Alexander of course! Seeing him in When the Game Stands Tall sealed the deal. His piercing blue eyes just scream Brandon. The only problem? His new scruff might have to go.

So there you have it, the five main roles of Populatti are set! Now all we need are Eva, Bianca, Val, Coop, and Jake to round out the top ten. But I’ll leave them to your imagination. Right now I’m in the mood for a good movie. Maybe some Hunger Games to see the future B-Dash in action.

Thanks all for reading and I hope you enjoy Populatti. In print and on the big screen – whenever that may happen

Mystery, Romance and the supernatural combine in this series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater.

Book 1: The Raven Boys
Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue never sees them–until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks to her. His name is Gansey, a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul whose emotions range from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She doesn’t believe in true love, and never thought this would be a problem. But as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

Book 2: The Dream Thieves
Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after….

Book 3: Blue Lily, Lily Blue
There is danger in dreaming. But there is even more danger in waking up.

Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs.

The trick with found things though, is how easily they can be lost.

About the Tarot Tour

The tarot is a divination system that uses a deck of cards to gain insight. Most decks are comprised of 78 cards divided into the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana, with each card being symbolic of an energy or spiritual truth. The Major Arcana are known as the “trump cards” because they impart messages of greater weight and significance than the Minor Arcana.

The Raven Cycle Tarot Tour features the Major Arcana, with each stop on the tour revealing one of the 22 cards as designed by Maggie Stiefvater, and will use that card to reveal the past, present and future of The Raven Cycle series.

You guys, we are so excited to be a part of The Raven Cycle Tarot Tour, which is running from November 1 to November 22! Psst, by the way – you can visit the This Is Teen Pinterest page daily for new links to all the tour stops!

The Raven Boys and The Dream Thieves were SO unique and Blue Lily, Lily Blue will be no different. We’re celebrating the release of Blue Lily, Lily Blue with a Tarot Reading of The Raven Cycle series (past, present, and future!).

And our Tarot Card is…

THE EMPRESS.

The Empress is card number 3, and represents fertility, motherhood and a connection to the natural world.

The Reading of The Empress:

The Empress is the mother archetype, and through her we get a first glimpse of the power of love in the Tarot.

The world of the Empress is an ideal and perfectly beautiful place, completely natural – untouched by the artificial.

Could that be Cabeswater? Does the Empress represent Cabeswater?

The world of the Empress does not cost anything for you to enjoy it. The Empress wants you to spend time outside and get fresh air.

Sounds like Cabeswater to us..

Past

Cabeswater is a forest.

There is a big tree in Cabeswater that shows visions. It showed visions to Gansey, Blue, and Adam the first time they went to Cabeswater.

The second time that the group visits Cabeswater, the seasons change as they walk through it.

Present

We predict that although Cabeswater does have a huge role in the series, it will really show it’s softer side in Blue Lily, Lily Blue. Cabeswater is at heart, a gentle and loving mother who wants to take care of those in it. The Empress likes to welcome abundance, experience the senses, and is connected with the Earth.

Future

What could The Empress mean for the fourth and final book in The Raven Cycle series? Will The Empress receives lavish rewards? So then, could this card be talking about Gansey? Blue? Ronan? Someone we haven’t even met yet? We can’t wait to find out!

Nikki-I could pretend I’m not stalking every day of this tour because I’m dying for a set of those Tarot cards, but… I’d be lying. This latest card is GORGEOUS, and I love your interpretation of it!ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 12:48 am

Jessie H. -These tarot cards are so beautiful! I need them! Thank you for hosting such an awesome giveaway!ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 7:19 am

Meagan S. -This card is beautiful. Cabeswater is beautiful. This giveaway is beautiful. Everything is beautiful.ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 7:40 am

Tawni-Considering how Ronan (and Kavinsky) get all of their dream stuffs from Cabeswater, I can see how it could be the Empress card. I like it!ReplyCancel

Jessica G -This series is everything. Every one of Maggie Stiefvater’s books has been the giant ass pitcher of lemonade to my thirsty, parched soul. I have always loved anything magical, and I read cards, so getting this tarot deck is pretty damn high on my wish list. Like, numero uno high.ReplyCancel

Mindi -Thanks for the give away! These cards are so beautiful.ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 9:43 am

Cassidy -This is my all-time favorite series. I love it so much, even though it crushes me a bit. And I love these tarot cards. They’re so beautiful and I really really hope I win them. It would make my entire life.ReplyCancel

Alexis -Thanks for hosting this giveaway! The cards are so beautiful!ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 10:38 am

Sasha -The card representing Cabeswater was such an interesting twist.ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 10:40 am

Melissa L. -Loving the art work Maggie did for these cards!ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 10:43 am

Chloe -So this tarot tour is definitely the coolest book release blog tour idea I’ve ever seen. I love reading all of the predictions, and would love to get my hands on one of the tarot decks!ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 10:56 am

Savannah Foley-What an interesting perspective on what the Empress card could mean in relation to TRB. Obviously Maura is the first person/thing that comes to mind, but it appears Maggie thinks of Cabeswater too, given the illustration.

Linae -That this is called the tarot TOUR is confusing me. This isn’t part of a book tour where Maggie goes to places and signs things is it?ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 11:08 am

Caitlin -This is such a cool idea! I’m so glad that this is happening and there are lots of chances to win ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 11:10 am

Britt T-This series is so amazing I can’t believe how great this giveaway is. And also a chance to own Maggie’s artwork ON tarot cards is like beyond perfect since I love/obsess over both. Thank you loves for being a part of this tour!
❤️ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 11:11 am

Brittany T-This series is so amazing I can’t believe how great this giveaway is. And also a chance to own Maggie’s artwork ON tarot cards is like beyond perfect since I love/obsess over both. Thank you loves for being a part of this tour!
❤️ReplyCancel

Jenn Baker (@jbakernyc)-Ohhh, with the way Book 3 ended (no spoilers) I’d be intrigued with how the Empress will play out in the final book. I’d hope that lavish rewards will be left with the core group of Gansey, Blue, Ronan, and Adam, even Noah but there could be a flip side to it of course!ReplyCancel

Katherine -Blue, Lily, Lily, Blue was such an amazing book! I was so sad when I finished reading it so I love how this tarot card giveaway keeps the story going for a little while. Now I can’t wait for book 4 to be in my hands, but I’m going to be so sad once the series is over!ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 4:20 pm

Rachel -…and now we just have to wait a whole year to find out what happens next. Does anyone know of anywhere people are discussing BLLB n the internet?ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 4:24 pm

Nicole Camilleri -I love Maggie’s artistic style and I think its great how she incorporates with her books. The tarot cards are lovely and so original. Thanks so much for the giveaway. <3ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 4:33 pm

Chancie -This is my fave series and I’m so stoked about these tarot cards! Maggie Stiefvater’s art skills are amazing. Thank you for the giveaway!!ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 4:51 pm

Charlotte -Honestly, The Raven Cycle is one of the best book series I’ve read. I love love love Maggie’s writing style, and her books are so wonderful with amazing plots. And dat tension with Blue and Gansey… ;_;ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 5:02 pm

Kira -This is so cool! Still waiting to read BLLB. Can’t wait!ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 5:04 pm

Kira -This is so cool! Still waiting to read BLLB. Can’t wait to read ir.ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 5:07 pm

Emma San Cartier -This is my absolute favorite series! I love the theme I love the setting I love the chatacters I love the author (you can probably tell I love almost everything about it) and I can’t wait to read blue lily, lily blue ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 5:41 pm

Renee Bookboyfriends-OMG YAY!!! Finally a blog where there’s no US limit!!! WHOOP WHOOP!!!
I absolutley LOOOVE Cabeswater! I think Cabeswater is one o the most exciting and mysterious things about THe Raven Cycle and I love it every single time a scene is set there! And IT CONNECTS WITH EVERYTHING LIKE HOW? WHY? OMG EXCITEMENT!!!!ReplyCancel

Sarah -This latest card is absolutely beautiful! And this is one of my favorite series, so I’m definitely following every day of this tour.ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 6:04 pm

P -This series is the one that got me interested in tarot cards in the first place, and I would love a deck made by Maggie’s hands. This is super exciting. This is also kind of helping me get over Blue Lily, Lily Blue. Hee.ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 6:17 pm

Alyssa C. -That is an interesting interpretation of the Empress card representing Cabeswater. It makes sense, however, as the Empress is a figure who provides life and is basically a creator. Cabeswater, with the help of the Greywaren, is such a creative force that occasionally has a powerful wrath.
I’m so worried about Gansey in the next book.ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 6:27 pm

Elaney -This is definitely my favorite card so far. Now I’m depressed again because we have to wait a year for the next book.ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 6:33 pm

Cina Li -This card is my favorite so far! They are all sooooo prettyReplyCancel

Elizabeth -It’s really interesting to see your interpretation of this card! (I will confess that I’m going to be going back to re-read all the Raven Boys books once all the tarot cards are released. Even if I already re-read them less than three weeks ago…)ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 7:23 pm

Claire Williamson-It’s weird for me to think of Cabeswater as a real character compared to a weird, deity-entity-just kinda exists thing. But I would like to see Cabeswater revealed as much as Maggie is willing to clarify.ReplyCancel

Nicole -The tarot cards are stunning I want them so bad and the three books. Thanks so much for the awesome giveaway!ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 8:50 pm

Clarisa Ramirez -Thanks so much for the giveaway!!! I can’t wait to read Blue Lily, Lily Blue and read more about Ronan and Adam. Can not wait for Gansey to die!ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 8:50 pm

Jacklin Updegraft -This looks amazing! I read the first book and I loved it! Look at all the pretty cards!ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 9:19 pm

Clarissa S -This giveaway is amazing and I will do anything in my power to win! lol
All the tarot cards are beautiful.
I LOVE this series and Maggie.ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 9:25 pm

Madeleine -I love your interpretation of the empress as Cabeswater. Very unique, not what I was expecting.ReplyCancel

November 4, 2014 - 10:08 pm

Shannon -This series is SO special to me, for many reasons. I literally have pages of questions that I’ve written down throughout the series, and I cannot wait to see how Maggie answers them all!ReplyCancel

Rachel Sparks-Witty, blunt, funny. What more could you ask for in a tour for Maggie Stiefvater? Great job ladies. And, of course, the card looks amazing. I think this is the best idea to get readers and writers together.ReplyCancel

November 5, 2014 - 2:07 pm

Sondra -I will never be over how pretty these cards are… I need them so badly…ReplyCancel

November 5, 2014 - 2:28 pm

Jazz -I had a feeling The Empress would have something to do with Maura since she might already have a connection to royalty.ReplyCancel

November 5, 2014 - 2:53 pm

Monica M-I’ve only read The Raven Boys so far, but I absolutely loved it! Thanks so much for the chance to own the whole series!ReplyCancel

November 5, 2014 - 7:07 pm

cristina escalante -Thank you for the contest. I absolutely adore this series!!ReplyCancel

November 5, 2014 - 11:40 pm

Michelle Chang -I used to hate reading but thanks to Maggie Stiefvater and her amazing Raven Cycle I’ve come to love it. I’ll always support and love her books.ReplyCancel

November 6, 2014 - 12:18 am

Zoe -I’ve heard amazing things about this series and I’ve been wanting to read them!
And those are beautiful tarot cards ReplyCancel

November 6, 2014 - 7:11 am

Becca -This series is just so fantastic. The characters are the best part!ReplyCancel

JenPB-We’re huge Maggie fans in our house. Dear Daughter One has absconded with “Blue Lilly.” Dear Daughter Two will probably find it before I do. I guess I’ll be third to read the next in this fantastic series. How does Maggie have time for writing AND art AND kids AND cars?ReplyCancel

November 6, 2014 - 1:19 pm

Alex U. -I love these Tarot cards so much Maggie’s art is amazing! Thank you for the giveaway!ReplyCancel

Kelley (Oh, the Books!)-GOSH, these cards are gorgeous. Is there no end to Maggie’s talents? I already adored this series for the tarot in it (along with MANY other reasons), but now I’m like… incoherent with GLEE!ReplyCancel

Morgan Crowl -I am in love with this series, and with these tarot cards. To be honest, I don’t win anything…so I’m definitely not getting my hopes up. But I am still entering everyday. Good luck to everyone!ReplyCancel

Megan-I love the whole idea of this tarot tour! Very appropriate for the series. I would seriously buy a whole set of these cards if they were available. So glad my ship hasn’t sunk yet, after reading BLLB!ReplyCancel

November 7, 2014 - 8:35 am

Stefani @ Caught Read Handed-I’m so excited about this tour! I absolutely adore Maggie Stiefvater and her artwork on these tarot cards is incredible. I would totally buy a set of them if they were available.ReplyCancel

November 7, 2014 - 3:44 pm

Marlene -The cards are so gorgeous! This is such a great giveaway.ReplyCancel

November 7, 2014 - 9:18 pm

Amanda -Thank you for hosting the giveaway! The cards are beautiful, and of course, The Raven Cycle is amazing.ReplyCancel

November 8, 2014 - 7:35 am

Christina R. -LOVE her books! What a wonderful author and artist. I love her characters the most. And love how nature is so prominent in your featured card

Just in case rafflecopter shows my location outside US, I’m doing a semester abroad and would use my regular US address

In the final electrifying novel in the HoN series, Neferet has finally made herself known to mortals. A Dark Goddess is loose on Tulsa and the world. No single vampyre is strong enough to vanquish her – unless that creature has the power to summon the elements as well as the ability to wield Old Magick. Only Zoey Redbird is heir to such power…but because of the consequences of using Old Magick, she is unable to help. Find out who will win and who will lose in this epic battle of Light versus Darkness.

1. REDEEMED, the final novel in the House of Night series just came out. How does it feel to reach the finale of the series?

PC: It’s bittersweet to come to the last HoN book. I’m excited about the new trilogy I’m working on, but I also miss Z and the Nerd Herd. I spent almost a decade with the HoN characters. I know I’m going to feel their absence as I’m at my writing desk – and at my brainstorming desk!

KC: It’s sad that the HoN series is ending. Like Mom, I’m going to miss Zoey and the Nerd Herd, but I’m going to miss our fans most of all. I hope that they’ll continue to follow us as we each begin our new projects.

2. Do you have a favorite book in House of Night?

PC: For a long time I loved CHOSEN because of the mistakes Zoey makes in that book and the lessons she learns. And my favorite novella is LENOBIA’S VOW. Since finishing REDEEMED, though, I have to say that I love it best!

KC: My favorite is LENOBIA’S VOW. I love the story, and that anyone can pick it up and read it without having to read any of the other books in the series.

3. Is there a character that you feel closest to?

PC: Aphrodite is easiest to write, and I’ll always feel close to Zoey.

KC: I love me some Heath! I guess that also means that I love Aurox too!

4. House of Night is an international phenomenon! How has the success of the series changed your life?

PC: HoN has enriched our lives on many levels. We love hearing from our fans about how they have grown up with Zoey and the group. Kristin and I get to take awesome road trips!

KC: I’ve gotten to meet so many people who have been inspired by HoN, which has made me a better person in a lot of ways.

5. Neferet is such a tragically flawed character. Her backstory made her more sympathetic, even though her choices are horrid. How much of her actions in REDEEMED, and previous books, is a result of her trying to overcome her past?

PC: Sadly, Neferet’s life choices were a direct result of her inability to let go of her father’s brutal attack and rape. I think a big part of her reaction to his abuse was a direct result of “Emily’s” inability to forgive herself. I do understand Neferet, often too well. It saddens me that the HoN world lost what could have been such a great force for Light.

6. Where do you see Zoey in 10 years?

PC: I see Z being a kick ass High Priestess!

7. Does Zoey and Stark’s relationship continue?

PC: Absolutely! Stark will always be Zoey’s Warrior.

8. Did writing the series together strengthen your relationship?

PC: Kristin and I have always been close, so that hasn’t changed. I am appreciative of her editorial eye, and love partnering with her!

KC: Mom and I have always had an amazing relationship! Working with her has made me appreciate and respect her even more.

9. Do mothers and daughters read your books together?

PC: Yes! We hear from mothers and daughters a lot! We love that they read the HoN as a team.

KC: Hearing how our books have brought mothers and daughters closer is so amazing! I love that we’ve been able to inspire connection within so many families.

10. How did you decide to write a series about vampires?
PC: My agent, Meredith Bernstein, asked me to write a series set at a vampyre finishing school, and my imagination took off from there.

11. Who is your all-time favorite fictional vampire character?

PC: I love the vampire in Robin McKinley’s wonderful book, SUNSHINE.

KC: Spike! He’s totally my boyfriend.

12. Spike or Angel?

PC: SPIKE! He’s been my boyfriend for years.

KC: No! He’s MY boyfriend, Phyllis.

13. Some have speculated that the huge surge of interest over the past few years in the paranormal romance/vampire fiction genre won’t last. What do you think?

PC: I think it’s silly to worry about genres coming and going. A good book is a good book. Excellence in storytelling will never be out of fashion.

14. What is on your nightstand now?

PC: The first book in Anne Bishop’s Jewel series, Neil Gaiman’s THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE, and the latest copy of bitch Magazine.

PC: Wow, there were so many of them! When I was a young girl I read every horse and dog book I could get my hands on (LOVE Walter Farley). As I became a teenager and a young adult, I didn’t read YA. I read lots and lots and lots of fantasy, science fiction, and romance. As a teenager my favorite series was probably Anne McCaffrey’s books about Pern. I still want to ride a golden queen dragon!

KC: I was obsessed with GOSSIP GIRLS and Lynn Ewing’s DAUGHTERS OF THE MOON series.

16. Can you tell us a little more about the philanthropic organizations that you support?

PC: I have an education foundation that helps kids through college. I’m also passionate about supporting the feminist bitch magazine and SageWoman.

PC & KC: We believe in supporting local charities like Tulsa Street Cats, the Oklahoma Equality Center, the Oklahoma Center for the Book, Philbrook and Gilcrease museums. We will also always support the Humane Society and SPCA.

17. You are about to embark on book tour – what are you most looking forward to?

PC & KC: We haven’t toured in the US for several years (been too busy writing!), so we’re really looking forward to seeing our fans from all over the US!

18. What has the response been like to the House of Night clothing line?

PC: I’ll let Kristin handle this one, as this is her baby, but I will say that I heart me some HoN merchandise!

KC: It’s been fantastic! It’s amazing when I see people out in public who are wearing one of the shirts, or have a bumper sticker on their car. I feel very honored and fortunate to have such support from our fans.

19. Your fans can’t wait for the HON movies to come out! Where are you in the process right now?

PC: This summer I worked with our wonderful screenwriter, Marc Haimes, on the treatment (which is really just a long outline) of the first movie, and he has completed the first draft of the script. Yes, I do love it!

20. What’s up next for you, PC?

PC: What’s next for me is a fantasy romance trilogy of epic proportions that I’m really excited about. I should have news for my fans in the next month or so!

21. What’s up next for you, Kristin?

KC: Right now I’m working on the first book in a new adult paranormal suspense series. Meredith Bernstein, my fabulous agent, is finalizing the contract with my new publisher and I will have exciting news this November! You can sign up to receive info about my new series at www.KCastAuthor.com.

Comment in the comment box below for a chance to win a SIGNED HOUSE OF NIGHT COMIC!

Kirin Rise: The Case of the Shadows by Ed Cruz
Release Date: August 15th, 2014
Authorhouse, 482 Pages
Age Group: Young Adult

Nineteen-year-old Kirin Rise doesn’t look like a hero. Short and scrawny, she’s not the type to strike fear into anyone, much less the brutes that make up the United Federation of Mixed Fighting. Despite her size, she spent her youth secretly training with her Sifu in the art of Wing Chun Gung Fu. What’s more, Kirin has something that many people in 2032 seem to have lost–a conscience. Enraged by government corruption and corporate greed, Kirin sets out to do something about it in the most unlikely place: the weekly bloodbath known as Chum Night. With the guidance of her Sifu and the help of those who love her, she just might survive.

If we take a moment and see the world around us the single word that defines this gen-eration is “instant.” Faster is not good enough, it has to be now. That is the essence of a Goggle world. Information can be retrieved as quickly as you type or say it. Soon studying a foreign language won’t be necessary since technology is almost to the point of bridging that gap. Things that used to take time and effort are becoming a lost art.

Today a single gadget that we can hold in the palm of our hands can do everything. The appeal is understandably intoxicating. If we can kill four birds with one stone, is that not the better way? It was designed to make life easier so we have more free time to do what we want. And yet we find ourselves more dependent on it. Sure, we can multitask but the problem is the level of skill is only average. Yes, you can do many things, but not a single task you can do great.

Like all things there is a cost. Knowledge that isn’t earned fails to be retained and the truth is society has become blinded to what it really needs. All the technological achievements that we’ve obtained brings us further away from what truly makes us happy. We have gotten to the point where distraction is our medicine. It has fooled us to believe that we have saved time when in fact we’ve forgotten its true value.

Why is that so important? Because when we find that calling, regardless of what that is, and dedicate ourselves to mastering it, the end result is not what is deemed success, rather it is who we become because of the journey that ultimately brings the balance that we all seek.

Kirin Rise the cast of shadows is a story of 19 year old girl who delivers a punch and knocks out a guy twice her size. Everyone is wondering how this is possible. At first glance the story appears to be simply that, about fighting. But the depth of the book examines where we are as a society. In the story, Kirin chooses a path of mastering a martial art and most people may be quick to judge that this won’t relate to them. How-ever, it does not matter whether it’s a martial art, learning to cook, becoming a great vio-lin player, or whatever your passion may be. These things are nothing more than the vehicles we choose to get us to our destination.

The formula that Kirin uses to figure out martial arts is no different from a basketball player who truly desires to hone his skill. In the end, we learn that what we do does not define us. It is who we become through this journey that ultimately leads us to understanding ourself. I believe that through this story and the life lessons that are learned can echo forever.

Kirin Rise is a story of discovery answering the question of who you are and redefining our understanding about life. Too often we calculate success by how much you make or what we have in our possession. But the book teaches that success should be de-fined as knowing who you are and ultimately embracing that.

About Us

Hi, there! - We're Sash & Em. We met in late 2006 and have been inseparable ever since. We enjoy Young Adult Literature, Hot Mugs of Tea, and Desserts – you know, the finer things in life. We write real reviews for books we've read and enjoy discussing them with people.